Growth rate of red fox puppies of Vyatka fire type

Purpose: assessment of the dynamics of the growth of the red fox in the process of its ontogenetic development.Materials and methods. The article describes and analyzes the body weight and linear body measurements of females and males of the red fox of the Ognivka Vyatskaya type in postnatal ontogenesis. The research was carried out in the Vyatka farm (Kirov region). The animals were kept in the same conditions, fed in accordance with age and physiological condition. Linear measurements and weighting were performed at 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 months of age. Growth indicators were fox body weight, body length, snout, head and tail, girth and height of the chest, snout width, length and girth of the front and hind legs.Results. As a result of the studies, periods of intensive puppy growth were identified. The maximum increase in body weight and linear measurements is observed from 3 to 4 months of age, when intensive growth and development of the animal organism is observed. Throughout the study, the coefficient of body weight variation (CV) was maximal compared to linear body measurements and ranged from 6% in 3-month-old puppies to 17% in 6-month-old animals, which makes it possible to consider body weight as an individual indicator of puppy development. All linear measurements at all study timelines had a coefficient of variation (CV) below 10% (ranged from 1 to 8%), that is, one can judge the weak degree of variability of the studied features. Also, during all study periods, sexual dimorphism is visible, males significantly exceeded the size and body weight of females in all studied parameters (p < 0.005).Conclusion. The dynamics of the growth and development of red fox puppies of the Ognivka Vyatskaya type were revealed. Age-related changes in the exterior parameters of young red foxes have been studied.